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"How can we serve you, Lord Salisbury?" Sir Giles asked. |
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The tousled hair and sleep-heavy eyes gave evidence that the man had been roused from a sorely needed rest. The heavy lids, however, could not conceal the wary distrust in the tired eyes. |
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"By listening to what I have to say," Salisbury replied. |
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"Will you sit down? Can I offer you wine? Food?" |
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Salisbury sat, but to the other questions he shook his head. "I come to you as William Longespee, not as the king's brother," he began. "I come for two reasons. Ian de Vipont saved my life when we took Montauban castle in France. I owe him a life. More than that, my son is with him. Wherever Ian is, my Geoffrey is there also." |
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"I am sorry for that," Sir Giles said sincerely. "But I still ask, what do you desire from us?" |
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"To go with you. I have long experience of war, and I have broken open many keeps. I want my son out of thereif he is still alive." |
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"That is not unreasonable, but I can give you no answer." |
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"Why not?" Salisbury cried. "Is Geoffrey's danger not sufficient guarantee of my good will? If you do not command the men here, let me speak with Lady Alinor." |
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"I wish I could. Lady Alinor is not here. That was why I could give you no answer. We wait for her. I do not know what she intends. To break open a keep is not so hard, Lord Salisbury, but when the nutshell is cracked, sometimes the meat inside is crushed. I am not so ready to rush to attack when my lordand your son alsoare hostage within." |
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Salisbury rubbed his face and drew a shaken breath. "But what can we do?" |
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"I do not know, but Lady Alinor will have some plan, I am sure." |
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That remark left Salisbury speechless for a few min- |
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